In a new venture for Hilton Herbs we are sponsoring a jockey's thighs!  A chance meeting with Martin Cooney, a jockey from the well-known Seaborough Manor Racing yard, led to a sponsorship agreement, administrated by the Point to Point Racing Authority, whereby whenever Martin races his breeches and his polo shirts will carry the Hilton Herbs logo.  Seaborough Manor Racing are very local to Hilton Herbs and we use Richard Barber's gallops from time to time for our own horses so it was a logical partnership.  Seaborough Manor Racing is a satellite yard for Paul Nicholls and is owned by Richard Barber, brother of Paul Barber, Paul Nicholls' landlord at Ditcheat in Somerset.  This year's winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Rock on Ruby, was trained at Seaborough Manor.

Here is Martin's story:

“I come from Fethard in Co Tipperary, which is the home of horses in Ireland. There are plenty of big trainers around there such as Mouse Morris, Aiden O’Brien, and Enda Bolger, and they’ve trained Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winners. I’ve worked for Mouse Morris but was taught all my good habits by Enda Bolger who is a great schoolmaster of people and has taught Ruby Walsh, Nina Carberry, and many more. I have ridden for Enda Bolger and Mouse Morris on the track, in point to points, and in the famous “bank” races in which Enda takes such pride.

I come from a farming background and Dad always had horses and I’ve always wanted to ride them so one day I just jumped on board and its gone from there.

I left Ireland because times have been hard recently and there are less horses running so fewer rides. I got the job riding for Richard Barber at Seaborough Manor through Ciara who is the head girl there.

I guess my strengths are that I can judge pace and find it easy to settle horses. I can read the race when I’m in it and can take anything on board. I have plenty of experience riding young horses.

I consider myself fortunate to be involved with the Seaborough Manor operation and I also ride work for Paul Nicholls and other trainers like Ron Hodges.”

Martin Cooney with one of his regular rides

Martin in action schooling over fences

Sadly we have to report that our Japanese distributor, Minako Tanaka, lost her battle with cancer on January 1^st 2012.

Minako is probably our most long-standing distributor and has been selling Hilton Herbs in Japan for over fifteen years.  She has been such a loyal and enthusiastic member of our worldwide distributor team that it is hard to imagine life without her.  Given the distance between the UK and Japan we, here at Hilton Herbs, did not have much personal contact with Minako and in fact the last time we all saw her was at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez.  At the time Minako was very excited about a new horse she had bought from Spain and was having him shipped back home to do dressage.  That is how we would like to remember Minako, enthusiastic, smiley, and full of life.

For several months now Tomohiko, Minako’s younger brother, has been working with her and has taken over the business and will continue to build on what Minako has achieved with selling Hilton Herbs.  We will continue to support Tomohiko, as we did Minako, and look forward to meeting him in the near future as he has a trip planned to the UK.

All the team at Hilton Herbs send their deepest sympathies to Tomohiko, Minako’s family, and Minako’s dear friend, Eriko, who so often helped Minako translate her requests to us.

"Hi my nam is Zac and I am a 12 year Border Collie.  I moved to my current home when I was 18 months old where I have thoroughly enjoyed myself playing at Obedience and Agility and now try and do Cani Cross.  Unfortunately I am no longer able to compete as due to my early treatment I have arthritis in my elbow and spine as well as HD, but since I have been taking Seaweed & Rosehip as a general tonic and Gastrix to help my tummy, as I sometimes get digestive problems, and Veteran and CDRM to help my back, I have felt extremely well and even can give my brothers a run for their money. 

I went to Crufts last year to help mum promote Cani-Cross Trail Runners and thoroughly enjoyed myself, despite some people thinking I was stuffed, but I did get my photo taken lots of times and plenty of cuddles from youngsters and adults alike.

While I was there, me and my brothers, oh and mum, thought we would go and see our friends at Hilton Herbs and thank them a great deal for keeping us all on the straight and narrow.  Yes we do go to the vet when we have a slight relapse but not too often.  Anyway a great hug and kisses from us to Hilton Herbs, thanks".

Just to let you know Bryn has calmed down tremendously since going on the Gastrix without the valarian, can you please send my thanks to Hiliary. 

Many thanks
Denise H Croucher